Steven Michael Lerer, 49, of the 4200 block of Dunwood Terrace, was arrested Wednesday night after a member of the Mall in Columbia's staff observed him fondling his exposed genitals, according to police.

Police said Lerer was spotted about 9:30 p.m. near the food court with a jacket covering his genital area. As he turned, the staff member noticed he was touching himself.

In that incident, a woman reported seeing a man following a group of young girls with his jacket over his waist. As the man passed by her, she said she saw him touching his exposed genitals, police said.

Lerer, who posted $7,500 bond, faces two counts of indecent exposure.

Police are continuing to investigate a third incident of indecent exposure near the Mall on Feb. 10. In that incident, two girls were near the AMC Columbia movie theater when the driver of a vehicle exposed his genitals to them while they were crossing the street.

Police said detectives are still working to determine whether Lerer was involved in this incident.

For the first time ever, the Sweetlife Festival — now entering its sixth year — will take over Merriweather Post Pavilion for two days, May 30-31. The expansion, along with the lineup, was announced on the Sweetlife website today.